Health Co-op to set up new GP clinic in Tuggeranong with ACT Govt and Bendigo Bank support

Released 29/08/2012

The West Belconnen Health Co-op today announced it will set up a bulk-billing GP clinic in Chisholm with start-up funding support from the ACT Government and Bendigo Bank.

ACT Minister for Community Services and Member for Brindabella Joy Burch said the new centre in Chisholm is the result of an innovative partnership between the community, corporate sector and the ACT Government.

"This initiative is great news for Tuggeranong residents who will benefit from a bulk-billing GP service in a convenient location," Ms Burch said.

"The ACT Labor Government is proud to support this proven service that furthers this Government's policy objectives of bringing affordable health services to where people need them."

The ACT Government is providing $200,000 in start-up funding, and Canberra's Community Bendigo Bank branches are providing $100,000 in capital funds to support the Co-op's expansion into Tuggeranong.

The Chisholm clinic is expected to open early next year with two doctors, with plans to grow to 4 doctors. It is the co-op's first centre outside Belconnen since it commenced in 2010.

The Co-op has over 15,000 individuals in its membership accessing 11 doctors across its 4 clinics in Canberra's north. West Belconnen Health Co-op Chairman Michael Pilbrow said the Chisholm centre will offer similar services to what is offered for members across the Co-op's four sites.

"I would like to thank the Canberra's Community Bendigo Bank branches and their Chairman, Jayson Hinder, for their great support and encouragement for the Co-op model and our expansion into Tuggeranong.

"I would also like to thank Minister Joy Burch and the ACT Government for helping us get the new Chisholm centre off the ground."

All Tuggeranong residents will be invited to join the Co-op in the lead-up to the Chisholm opening. Annual membership fees include $16.50 for an individual with a Health Care Card, $33 for an individual and $66 for a family.